Mechanism for collecting percentage of vending machine receipts for rental or purchase payments



Jly 26, 1955 R. J. NEUBACHER ETAL 3,262,539

MECHANISM FOR COLLECTING PERCENTAGE OF VENDING MACHINE RECEIPTS FORRENTAL OR PURCHASE PAYMENTS 2 Sheets-Sheet l F1102? April 2S, 1965 0RPURCHASE PAYMENTS R. J. NEUBACHER ETAL MECHANISM FOR COLLECTING PERCENVENDING MACHINE RECEIPTS FOR July 26, 1966 Filed April 28. 1965 fo7M/yer /Wnp INVENTORS. Robe/hl Nez/bache# /f E Pew/7e# BY MY@ Arrow/5VUnited States Patent O 3,262,539 MECHANISM FOR COLLECTING PERCENTAGE OFVENDING MACHINE RECEIPTS FOR RENTAL OR PURCHASE PAYMENTS Robert J.Neubaclner, @veriand Park, Kans., and Kit E. Pennelli, independence,Mo., assignors to The Vendo Company, Kansas City, Mo., a corporation ofMissouri Filed Apr. 28, 1965, Ser. No. 451,408 11.4 Claims. (Cl. 194-2)This invention relates to vending machines and, more particularly, t-oapparatus for collecting a portion of the proceeds of the sales fromsaid vending machines.

Many vending machines are not actually owned by the proprietor of thepremises in which such machines are situated. Typically, the machinesmay be installed in customenaccessible vending locations under anagreement between the machine owner and the location management lwherebythe owner of the machine is to receive a percentage of the moneydeposited into the machine by customers who purchase goods from themachine. In some situations the machines 'are leased to operators whoarrange for installing and servicing the machines in various locations.

In either of the foregoing situations, and under other similararrangements common in the coin-operated vending machine industry,difliculties have been encountered where the money deposited into thevending machines is collected into .a common cash box for ultimatedistribution in accordance with the terms of the agreement between theparties having an interest in the proceeds of the sales from themachine. One of the parties may permitthe key to the common collectionboX to fall into the hands of irresponsible persons wherein money may betaken from the box without accounting to the other party under the termsof the agreement.

Accordingly, a need has arisen for apparatus to cause the agreed uponportion of the proceeds of the sales from the machine to beautomatically separated and collected in a box accessible only to theparty to whom such portion belongs.

One of the important objects of this invention is to provide a unitarydevice having its own selfecontained motor operable from the vendcircuit of `a coin changer for causing the latter to deposit coins intoa separate, locked container so that substantially no alteration isnecessary to the existing coin changer.

Another very important object of this invention is to provide mechanismwhereby that portion of the sales proceeds to be collected and set asidemay be preselected by quick and easy adjustment without the necessityfor special tools.

A further important object of the instant invention is to provide salesreceipts collecting mechanism which can be securely locked to preventdisconnection of the mechanism from the coin changer circuitry of thevending machine to thereby preclude wrongful operation of the vendingmachine without provision for collection and reservation of a portion ofthe sales proceeds.

It is .still another object of this invention to provide mechanismhaving components for causing automatic rejection and return to thecustomer of any coins deposited into the vending machine while thechanger is functioning to set aside money into the rental collection boxto preclude mutual interference between either the vending or rentalcollecting functions of the vending machine.

Yet another object of this invention is the provision of removableprotective covers for the components of the mechanism to which access isoccasionally desirable, which covers are provided with novel lockingstructure to preclude wrongful removal or tampering with the mechanism.

Another object of the invention is to provide mechanism 3,252,539Patented July 26, 1966 ICC which causes a discharge of coins directlyfrom the change storage structure of the coin changer into the rentalcollection box to facilitate collection of a definite portion of theproceeds of the sales from the machine, rather than attempting toseparate a portion of the coins while they are gravitating through thecoin-testing and change-making components of the machine. This insuresuniformity of collection and obviates structural alterations to thecoinhandling devices, las well as permitting flexibility in installationof the collecting mechanism as an accessory to changers adjusted forvarious sales prices.

These and other important objects of the instant invention will befurther explained hereinafter or will become apparent to those skilledin the art from the following specification and claims.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of an electrical coinchanger showing `an apparatus embodying the principles of this inventionincorporated therewith, parts being broken away for clarity;

FIG. 2 is ia fragmentary, side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG.l;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, front elevational View of theapparatus shown in FIG. l with the collection boxes and cover plateremoved, parts being broken away and shown in cross section to revealdetails of construction;

FIG. 4 is a detailed, cross-sectional view taken along line 4 4 of FIG.3, with the cover plate shown in place on the apparatus;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, detailed, cross-sectional view taken along line 55 of FIG. l;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 6 6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical, cross-sectional viewthrough the apparatus control lbox with the motor, cam `assembly andswitches appearing in elevation;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7;

FIG. l0 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10- 10 of FIG. 7;

FIG. ll is a cross-sectional view 11 of FIG., 7;

FIG. l2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the switches by the'cams through one complete revolution of the actuator cam assembly; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic wiring diagram illustrating the electricalcircuit of the apparatus of this invention.

5 taken along line taken along line 8 8 taken along line 9 9 taken alongline 11 Apparatus embodying the principles of this invention I broadlydesignated 20, includes a frame 22 for mounting apparatus 20- on avending machine. Frame 22 includes a generally horizontal plate 24having an integral, vertically extending ange 26 provided with elongatedslots 28 for mounting apparatus 20 on the vending machine beneath thecoin changer 30 of the vending ma- I coins totaling more than the saleprice of the item selected -for vending by the machine. The normaloperation and functioning of changer 30 is well known to those skilledin the art, forms no part of the instant invention, and will, therefore,not be described in detail.

Apparatus incl-udes diverter means broadly designated 44 between plate24 and coin pay-out mechanism 40. Diverter means 44 includes a plate 46having integral side flanges 48 to define a chute therebetween. Plate 46is pivoted on a horizontally extending shaft 50 passing through walls 32and 34 for movement from a position inclined diagonally toward anopening 52 adjacent one end of plate 24 to an alternate position withplate 46 rotated approximately 60 in a clockwise direction as Viewed inFIG. 3. Thus, plate 46, in the alternate position, is inclineddiagonally toward an opening 54 situated generally midway between theends of plate 24. When plate 46 is in the position thereof illustratedin FIG. 3, all of the coins discharged from the pay-out mechanism 40 ofchanger 30 are caused to gravitate through opening 52 for return to thecustomer by way of coin-return means (not shown).

Means for moving plate 46 'between the two positions thereof includes asolenoid 56 having its movable armature 58 operably coupled by link 59to arm 60 which extends laterally through wall 34 lfrom a depending lug62 integral with plate 46 as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

A diagonal, tubular conduit 64 communicates with the coin chute (notshown) of changer and an opening 66 proximal one end of plate 24. Thus,any coins which pass through changer 30 Iand are not diverted into coinstorage tubes 42 are conducted directly from the coin chute of changer30 through conduit 64 to opening 66 as will be hereinafter explained.

A helical spring 68 extending between link 59 and conduit 64 `biases arm60 in a direction for normally maintaining plate 46 in the positionthereof illustrated in FIG. 3. Manifestly, when solenoid 56 is energizedto retract armature 58, plate 46 is swung about shaft 50 to cause all ofthe coins subsequently discharged from mechanism to be diverted towardopening 54.

A generally transversely U-shaped mounting bracket 70, having oppose-d,outermost, longitudinal edges bent downwardly and outwardly asillustrated in FIG. 3, is rigidly secured to the lowermost surface ofplate 24 to provide means for removably mounting a collection box 72beneath plate 24.

Opening 66 in plate 24 communicates with box 72 when the latter is inplace on bracket 70, where-by all of the coins passing through conduit64 may be collected in box 72. Referring to FIG. 1, it will be seen thatbox 72 is provided with a pair of inturned flanges 74 which are receivedover the outer longitudinal edges of bracket 70. Another coin receiver76 which may be substantially identical to box 72, is mounted on asimilar bracket 78 adjacent bracket 70 with receiver 76 underlyingopening 54, whereby all of the coins discharged from mechanism 40, whensolenoid 56 is energized, are collected in receiver 76.

An elongated, upright, generally tubular housing 86 is mounted on plate24 in overlying relationship with box 72. Housing 86 contains controlmeans 88 for apparatus 20. Control means 88 includes a rotatableactuator Vbroadly designated 90, and an electric motor 92 operablycoupled with actuator for rotating the latter. As best seen in FIG. 7,actuator 90 includes a cam shaft 94 having cams 96, 98, and 102integrally mounted thereon yfor rotation with shaft 94 as the latter isturned by motor 92. Cams 96-102 are each `associated with electricswitches 104, 106, 108 and 110 respectively. Each switch 104-110 isprovided with an operating arm 112 for operating the switches by thecams when a corresponding cam is rotated into engagement with itsassociated switch arm.

Cam 102, adjacent one end of shaft 94, is comprised of a first discportion 114 having a plurality of regularly spaced teeth 116 separatedby depressions or notches 118.

Teeth 116 extend only partially around the circumference of disc 114,the latter being freely movable on shaft 94.

Portion 120 of cam 102 extends outwardly substantially equidistant withthe outer surfaces of teeth 116 through a segment of the periphery ofportion 120. An upstanding lug 122 on portion 120 is disposed forengagement in any selected one of the notches 118 of portion 114 forlocking portions 114 .and 120 together. A helical spring 124 on shaft 94between portion 114 and a retainer 125 fixed to shaft 94 adjacent amounting bracket 126, serves to releasably maintain portion 114 engagedwith `lug 122 but lto permit manual lifting of portion 114 from lug 122to adjust the relative rotational positions of the portions 114 and 120.Thus, disc portion 114 rnay be disposed with any selected number oftee-th 116 blocked by the outermost surface of portion 120 wherebyoperating arm 112 of switch 110 is precluded from entering thecorresponding notches 118 between the blocked teeth 116.

Switch 110 is a 2-position, single-pole switch, while switches 104, 166and 108 are normally open, single-pole switches.

Housing 86 is provided with a passage 128 adjacent actuator 90 .topermit manual adjustment of the portions 114 and 120 of cam 102. A port130 is provided `adjacent plate 24 as shown best in FIG. 3. Anirregularlyshaped, one-piece cover plate 132 (FIGS. 1 and 4) comprises arst portion 134 adapted to cover passage 128 and port in housing 86.

A tiange 136 embraces a corner of housing 86. Tab means, broadlydesignated 138,- integral with portion 134 proximal the lowermost edgeof the latter, extends inwardly through port 130, then downwardlythrough a slot 140 in plate 24 overlying collection box 72. A lip 142integral with tab 138 is configured to engage the lower surface of plate24 to maintain cover plate 132 in position. I-t will be noted in FIG. 6that box 72 is provided with lock means broadly designated 144 having amovable locking lug 146 configured to be rotated into position extendingthrough slot 140 and in front oftab means 138 to prevent cover plate 132from being removed from its covering position overlying windows 128 and130 when collection box 72 is locked in place on bracket 70.

Another portion 148 of cover plate 132 and integral with portion 134, isconfigured to cover an inventory switch 150 forming an integral part ofchanger 30. Inventory switch 130 is conventionally provided foractuating the coin -changer motor to operate the pay-out mechanism. Thispermits counting of the money contained in coin tubes 42 when aninventory or accounting is made of the amount of money deposited intothe vending machine.

It will be noted that portion 148 of cover plate 132 includes aninwardly and downwardly extending flange 152 configured to embrace themounting structure 154 provided on changer 30 for mounting switch 150.An integral, downwardly and inwardly extending lip 156 on portion 148 atthe lowermost margin of the latter is adapted to extend through a slot158 in plate 24 overlying coin receiver 76 when the latter is in placeon bracket 78. It will be noted, particularly in FIG. 4, that slot 158is sufficiently wide to permit the locking lug of a lock 160 forming apart of coin receiver 76 to be inserted between portion 148 and thefront edge of slot 158 so that cover plate 132 cannot be removed whilereceiver 76 is locked in position on bracket 78.

One of the features of this invention contributing to the securementagainst tampering afforded by apparatus 20 is the provision of a chamber162 in the upper portion of housing 86 and adapted to receive the plug164 of the power supply cable and plug assembly 166 of changer 30.Chamber 162 is normally closed by a top wall 168. The cable of assembly166 extends from chamber 162 into electrical coupling with changer 30,but plug 164 is securely locked in chamber 162 so that the electricalcomponents of apparatus 20 must remain operably coupled with assembly166 before changer 30 may be operated.

Manifestly, this prevents unauthorized removal of plug 164 fromapparatus 20 so that changer 30 cannot be operated without theconcurrent operation of apparatus to insure that the proper portion ofthe proceeds of the sales from the Vending machine are set aside.

Referring to FIG. 13 wherein the electrical components of apparatus 20are schematically illustrated, it may be seen that a pair of power lines170 and 172 are adapted-to be coupled with a .source of electricalenergy. It is pointed out that lines 170 and 172 may actually beconnected Iwith the vending machine itself through assembly 166, andlines 170 and 172 will thus ultimately is caused to ride upon the outersurface of portion 120 until the trailing shoulder 236 is reached.-Manifestly,v

derive their power through the Vending machine power supply cable. Line170 is connected by line 171 to one side of a vend switch 174 whichcomprises a component of changer 30.

Switch 174 is adapted to be operated upon the deposit of proper coinageinto the vending mach-ine t-o actuate the machine, causing delivery of aproduct to a customer. Switch 174 is normally open and contact 176 isconnected to a normally closed contact 178 of a switch 180 by a line182. Switch 180 and a switch 184 cornprise parts of electro-responsiveswitching structure 186, such as a relay or the like. Relay 186 isoperably coupled to the movable polepieces of switches 180 and 184 whichare of the make-before-break type. Thus, switches 180 and 184 makecontact with their normally open contacts 188 and 190 respectivelybefore Contact is broken with normally closed contacts 178 and 192respectively.

A line 194 connects the pole piece `of switch 184 with line 170, while aline 196 connects one side of the relay coil 186 to line 172, and a lead198 connects the other side of the relay coil.186 to the pole of switch180. The normally closed Contact 200 of switch 110 is connected tocontact 188 by a line 202, while the pole of switch 110 is connected toline 170 by a'lead 204. The normally open contact 206 of switch 110 iscoupled to one side of motor 92 by line 208 and the latter is connectedby line 210 with contact 190.

The normally open contact 212 of switch 108 is connected through lead214 to 'electro-responsive structure 216 such as electromagnets whichare conventionally provided with the coin-testing components of thevending machine. tromagnets 216 are operated iby the latter forextending into the coin paths of the coin-handling apparatus fordiverting coins inserted into the vending machine into the coin returnchannel so that the coins are thereby returned to the customer. When theelectromagnet 216 is energized, the `blocking structure is withdrawnfrom the coin paths to permit the coins to gravitate through thecointesting and changing components. A line 218 electrically couplesstructure 216 with line .172. AThe pole piece of switch 108 is connectedto contact 192 by a line 220.

The normally open contact 222 of switch 106 is connected to solenoid 56by a line 224 and solenoid 56 is coupled to line 170 by a lead 226. Alead 228 connects the pole pieces of switch 106 and '104 with line 172.A line 230 connects the pole piece of switch 104 with motor 92. Thenormally open contact 232 of switch 104 is coupled by a line 234 to themotorV (not shown) of changer 30. Reference may be had to U.S. PatentNo. 3,175,670 for a full and complete description of the electriccircuitry of a changer such as changer 30. It should be pointed` out,however, that the changer motor is provided with a holding circuit formaintaining the motor energized through one complete operation of thecoin pay-out mechanism 40.

Operation which are to the left of lug 122 is chosen dependent uponCoin-blocking structure associated with elecswitch is held in itsoperated condition until shoulder 236 is rotated beyond the outermostend of arm 112.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 13, it may be seen that each time thevend switch 174 of changer 30 is operated, an energizing circuit forrelay 186 is closed. This circuit may be traced from line throughcontact 176 of switch 174, line 182, switch'180, lead 198, coil of relay186 and line 196 to line 172. Since relay 186 is of themake-before-break type, this energizing circuit remains closed until theholding circuit for relay 186 is completed. This circuit may be tracedfrom line 170 through lead 204, switch 110, line 202, contact 188 ofswitch 180, lead 198 and line 196 to line 172. Thus, relay 186 remainsenergized through this holding or carrier circuit until the carrierswitch 110 is operated. Switch 184 of relay 186 is operated by thelatter when relay 186 is energized. This completes an energizing circuitfor motor 92 which may be traced from line 170 through line 194, switch184, the normally open contact 190 thereof, through line 210, to line208, motor 92, lead 230, and lead 228 to line' 172. When motor 92 isenergized, it rotates shaft 94 in a clockwise direction as viewed inFIGS. 8-11 for moving the cams 96-102 with respect to the operating arms112 of the associated switches.

Motor 92 remains energized through the circuit previously describeduntil switch 184 returns to its unoperated condition. When cam 102 hasrotated through a sufficient increment of its path of travel to bringthe leading tooth 116 into engagement with switch arm 112 of switch 110,the latter is shifted from the normally closed contact 200 to thenormally open contact 206 by the camming surface of the tooth 116. Thus,the carrying circuit for holding relay 186 energized is broken at switch110 and the switches and 184 of relay 186 return to their unoperatedpositions. Motor 92 remains energized, however, through a circuitextending from line 170 through lead 204, contact 206 of switch 110,line 208, motor 92, lead 2,30, and lead 228 to line 172. This continuesrotation of shaft 94 while switch 110 is operated until switch arm 112of the latter enters the succeeding notch 118. At this time, switch 110returns to its normal position and the energizing circuit for motor 92is broken at switch 110. This stops further rotation of shaft 94.

Referring to FIG. 12, the operation of apparatus 20 described to thispoint may be represented by the diagram wherein rotation of shaft 94 hasproceeded from zero degrees through an angle represented by the dottedline designated 238.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that each succeedingoperation of vend switch 174 of changer 30 completes the circuitspreviously described through another cycle of operation of theelectrical components of apparatus 20 for rotating shaft 94 anotherincrement. The cyclic operation is continued for each successiveoperation of vend switch 174 until the total rotation of shaft 94 hasVproceeded to a point where switch arm 112 of switch 110 if precludedfrom entering the succeeding notch 118 following engagement bythe camsurface of the preceding tooth 116. Instead, switch arm 112 rides on theouter surface of cam portion 120 to hold switch 110 in its operatedposition. Thus, motor 92 remains energized through switch 110 tocontinue rotation of shaft 94 until the energizing circuit is broken.

The point at which switch arm 112 of switch 110 engages cam portion 120is diagrammatically represented in FIG. 12 by the dashed line designated180. Cam 100 is positioned on shaft 94 so that the outer surface of cam100 disengages' the arm 112 of switch 108 slightly after cam portion 120engages its associated switch arm 112. This causes switch 108 to openthe normally closed energizing circuit for electromagnet means 216associated with the lcoin-handling structure of the vending machine.

De-energizing of electromagnet means 216 permits the coin-deflectingstructure to enter the Icoin paths as previously explained for returning`any money deposited in the vending machine during rotation of shaft 94to the customer. This precludes interference with the operation ofapparatus while shaft 94 is rotating. Continued energization `of motor92 through carrier switch 110 brings cam 98 into engagement with the arm112 of switch 106. This point is designated 270 on the diagram of FIG.l2. Switch 106 is thereupon operated by cam 98 to complete an energizingcircuit for solenoid 56 which may be traced from line 170, through lead226, the Coil of solenoid 56, line 224, contact 222, switch 104, lead228, to line 172. When solenoid 56 is energized, the armature 58 thereofpivots Vplate 46 of diverter means 44 as hereinabove explained.

It should be pointed out at this juncture that plate 46 has remained inthe position thereof illustrated in FIG. 3 throughout each successivecyclic operation of apparatus 20 for rotating shaft 94 throughincrements defined by teeth 116. Manifestly, with plate 46 in theposition illustrated, changer would return change from coin storagetubes 42 directly to the customer as determined by the amount `of moneydeposited into the vending machine. However, when solenoid 56 isoperated to move plate 46 to its yaltern-ate position, any moneydischarged from the coin storage tubes 42 by pay-out mechanism 40, arediverted through opening 54 into receiver 76.

Shortly after solenoid 56 is energized and plate 46 is moved to itsalternate position, cam 96 engages the arm 112 of switch 104, therebyclosing the latter. This connects electrical energy through contact 232and line 234 to the energizing circuit of the coin changer (not shown).The changer then yoperates through a normal changemaking cycle wherein apredetermined number of coins from tubes 42 are discharged by mechanism40. These coins gravitate onto plate 46 where they are deectedthroughopening 54 into receiver 76.

The rotation of shaft 94 is continued until all the cams 96, 98 and 102are no longer in engagement with their associated switch arms 112 andcam 100 re-engages its corresponding switch arm. This position isillustrated in FIG. 12 by the dashed-line designated 360. It will benoted in FIG. 12 that the outer surface of carn portion 120 remains inengagement with its associated switch arm 112 until cams 96 and 98 haverotated out of contact with their iassociated switch arms 112. When cam120 drops switch arm 112, contact 200 of switch 110 is re'- turned toits normal position to de-energize motor 92. No further rotation ofshaft 94 occurs until vend switch 174 is again closed to signify a salefrom the vending machine.

The amount of rotation of shaft 94 necessary to bring arm 112 of switch110 into engagement with the initial tooth 116 on the next successiveoperation, is not critical inasmuch as motor 92 remains energizedthrough relay switch 184 until rotation is stopped through the cammingaction of disc portion 114. Apparatus 20 is therefore, ready for asucceeding complete cycle of operation after shoulder 236 is rotated outof contact with the `associated switch arm 112. Manifestly,electromagnet means 216 is re-energized when switch 108 is closed by cam100 and solenoid 56 is de-energized when switch 106 re-opens. Thisautomatically returns plate 46 of diverter 44 to the positionillustrated in FIG. 3 through the bias of spring It is now apparent thatthe respective portions 114 and 120 of cam 102 can be angularlypositioned on shaft 94 so that any selected number of teeth 116 may bedisposed to the left of lug 122 as viewed in FIG. 8. Further, each toothto the left of lug 122 permits a corresponding increment of rotation ofshaft 94 without operation of the changer motor and diverter 44 to causethe deposit of money into receiver 76. Thus, the teeth 116 which are tothe left of lug 122, serve to count the number of sales from the vendingmachine which yare permitted without corresponding deposit of money intoreceiver 76. When carrier switch is operated by cam portion 120,however, apparatus 20 causes the change maker pay-'out mechanism tooperate and diverter 44 directs the money paid out into receiver 76.

The number of operations of vend switch 174 permitted to occur beforemoney is diverted into receiver 76, determines the percentage of thetotal sales from the vending machine which are subsequently collected inreceiver 76. This number may be quickly and easily adjusted throughrelative rotation between the portions of cam 102. Obviously, ifdesired, lug 122 could be engaged in the first notch 11S, whereuponmoney from pay-out mechanism 40 Would be deposited in receiver 76 uponeach actuation of vend switch 174. Normally, however, the percentage soset aside in receiver 76 would be much less and a preselected number ofoperations of vend switch 174 would occur before a collection was madein receiver 76.

Cover plate 132 remains locked in place so long as either of thereceptacles 72 and 76 are locked. This precludes unauthorized tamperingby either of the persons who have access to the receptacles unless bothkeys to the respective receptacles are available. Accordingly, once thepercentage to be collected by apparatus 20 in receiver 76 is adjusted oncam 102, this cam can be maintained until both parties desire that thepercentage be readjusted. Since plug 164 is securely maintained withinchamber 162 of housing 86, yit is impossible for changer 30 to beoperated without corresponding operation of apparatus 20 for settingaside the preselected percentage of the proceeds.

It should now be apparent that apparatus 20 can be used with any kind ofelectrical changer having conventional coin `outlets and thatsubstantially no alteration to the existing changer structure isnecessary. If desired, counter mechanism 240 may be operably associatedwith apparatus 20 for recording the total number of operations of vendswitch 174. This provides a ready means of quickly ascertaining thetotal sales from the vending machine so that the amount of moneycollected in receiver 76 can be compared with such sales.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desiredto be secured by Letters Patent is: 1. In a vending machine having anelectrical power source and an electrical coin changer provided withcoin pay-out mechanism and a vend switch, apparatus in combinationtherewith for collecting a portion of the proceeds of the sales fromsaid vending machine comprising:

a coin receiver; an electrically operable diverter adjacent saidmechanism for diverting coins discharged from said mechanism into thereceiver when the diverter is operated;

first circuit means and including a first switch, for electricallycoupling the diverter to said power source for operating the diverterwhen the tirst switch is closed;

second circuit means and including a second switch for electricallycoupling the pay-out mechanism to said power source for operating thepay-out mechanism when the second switch is closed;

a rotatable switch actuator;

motor means coupled to said actuator for rotating the latter;

third circuit means for coupling the motor means to said power sourceand including said vend switch,

means controlled by said vend switch for actuating the motor means uponclosing of the vend switch,

and a third switch for maintaining the motor means actuated upon closingof the third switch until the latter is reopened; and

first, second and third cam means on said actuator and operable toeffect closing of the rst, second and third switches respectively, saidrst and second cam means being operable to actuate the diverter and thenthe pay-out mechanism in sequence only `after a preselected number ofoperations of the vend switch and thereby the motor means.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said third cam meansincludes adjustment means for selectively varying the numberv ofoperations of said vend switch which must occur before the first andsecond cam means are operable to actuate the diverter and said pay-outmechanism by said rst and second switch means.

3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said adjustrnent meansincludes a lirst 'cam portion having a plurality of spaced peripheralcam surfaces, there being a depression between each of said surfaces, asecond cam portion disposed in juxtaposed relationship with said iirstportion and manually rotatable relative thereto, said second portionhaving an elongated cam surface for blocking and rendering ineffectiveany selected number of said depressions depending on the relativeposition of said rst portion with respect to the second portion, andmeans on one cam portion and engageable with the other camv portion forreleasably maintaining a selected relative position therebetween.

4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said diverter meansincludes a plate pivotally mounted beneath said payout mechanism, saidplate being movable between a rst position for deflecting coins awayfrom said receiver, and a second position thereof with the platedisposed to deflect coins into the receiver, and a solenoid in saidfirst circuit means and controlled by closing of said rst switch formoving the plate to said second position when the first switch isoperated.

5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said apparatus includesmeans removably mounting the receiver beneath said mechanism, and lockmeans for locking the receiver on said mounting means.

6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein is included a coinreceptacle, means removably mounting the receptacle beneath the coinchanger adjacent said coin receiver, a coin chute for conducting atleast certain coins deposited in the changer directly to the receptacle,and lock means for locking the receptacle on the receptacle mountingmeans, the receiver lock means being different from the receptacle lockmeans whereby separate keys are required for removing the receiver andreceptacle from their respective mounting means.

7. In a vending machine havingan electrical coin changer provided withcoin pay-out mechanism and a vend switch, apparatus in combinationtherewith for collecting a portion of the proceeds of the sales fromsaid vending machine comprising:

a frame;

a coin receiver for collecting said portion of sales;

means on the frame for releasably mounting the -receiver on the frame;

lock means for selectively preventing removal of the receiver from themounting means;

`diverter means in the frame adjacent the mechanism and operable forselectively diverting coins discharged from the pay-out mechanism intothe receiver;

collection control means comprising a rotatable actuator having a seriesof switch cams thereon, a corresponding number of switches each operablyassociated with a respective cam and an electric motor for rotating theactuator, and wherein a first one of said switches is operable tocontrol said diverter means, a second one of said switches is operableto effect activation of said coin pay-out mechanism and a third one ofsaid switches is operable to terminate motorene-rgization after apredetermined number of degrees of rotation of the actuator; and

electrical circuit means operably coupling the motor with said vendswitch for energizing the motor upon each operation of the vend switch,that one of said cams operably associated with said third one of saidswitches having structure adjustable for a variable selected number ofsuccessive unproductive operations of said motor before an operationthereof wherein said rst and second switch means are acted upon by theirrespective cams to operate said diverter means and activate said pay-outmechanism for collecting the predetermined portion of saidsales in saidcoin receiver.

8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein said adjustable camstructure includes a first disc on the actuator and provided with aplurality of spaced teeth in the periphery thereof presenting a seriesof projecting cam surfaces with depressions therebetween, said thirdswitch having an operating arm engageable with the periphery of saiddisc, and said third switch being operable by the arm to maintain themotor actuated when the arm is on said projecting surfaces of said teethand operable to permit said third switch to open to deactivate the motorwhen in engagement with the disc within a respective depression therein.

9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein said adjustable camstructure includes a second disc on the actuator in juxtaposition withthe rst disc, said second disc having a portion of its peripheralsurface extending outwardly in substantially coextensve relationship tothe projecting surfaces of said teethin disposition for preventing saidswitch arm from entering said depressions and having the balance of itsperipheral surface coextensive with the depressions of said rst discperiphery, said first disc being selectively manually positionable withrespect to thesecond disc, and latch means for releasably interlockingthe discs whereby said operating arm of the third switch may beprevented from engaging any selected number of said depressions.

10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein is included electricallyresponsive switching structure operably coupled with the vend switch forinitially energizing said motor while the operating arm thereof is inengagement with a depressed portion of the periphery of said adjustablecam, said third switch being operable to maintain said motor energizedindependently of said switching structure when said operating .armengages a projecting portion of the periphery of said adjustable cam andsaid third switch further being operable to effect deenergization ofsaid motor when said operating arm reengages a depressed portion of saidadjustable cam periphery.

11. In a vending machine having an electrical coin changer provided withcoin pay-out mechanism, a vend switch and an electrical cable and plugassembly, apparatus in combination therewith for collecting a portion ofthe proceeds of the sales from said vending machine comprising: i

a housing releasably locked to said vending machine and having a passagetherethrough;

-receptacle means in the housing adapted to receive the plug therein forelectrical coupling of said apparatus with the changer, said passagebeing of a size to only receive the cable therethrough and therebypreclude removal of the plug from the housing;

.a coin receiver;

diverter means adjacent said pay-out mechanism operable for divertingcoins from said mechanism into the coin receiver;

a rotable actuator; switch means associated with said actuator foroperating said diverter and energizing said pay-out mechanism; and

motor means operably coupled with the vend switch through said cable andplug assembly and with said actuator for rotating the latter upon eachoperation of the vend switch, said actuator including cam means foroperating said switch means to activate the pay-out mechanism anddiverter means only after a preselected number of operations of saidvend switch.

12. Apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein an opening is providedin the housing adjacent the actuator for access thereto from theexterior of the housing, and cover means normally `disposed in coveringrelationship with the opening to preclude access to the actuator, saidcover means including lockable structure for preventing unauthorizedremoval thereof.

13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 12, the cam means of said actuatorbeing adjustable through said opening for varying the number ofoperations of said vend switch between successive operations of the saidswitch means to activate the coin pay-out mechanism and diverter means.

14. In a vending machine having an electrical power source and anelectrical coin changer provided With coin pay-out mechanism and a vendswitch, apparatus in com- 12 bination therewith for collecting a portionof the proceeds of the sales from said vending machine comprising:

a com receiver; diverter means adjacent said pay-out mechanism operablefor diverting coins from said mechanism into the coin receiver; arotatable actuator; switch means associated with said actuator foroperating said diverter and energizing said pay-out mechanism; and lmotor means operably coupled with the vend switch and said actuator forrotating the latter upon each operation of the vend switch, saidactuator including cam means for operating said switch means to activatethe pay-out mechanism and diverter means only after a preselected numberof operations of said vend switch.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 25 LOUIS J.DEMBO, Primary Eicamner.

S. H. TOLLBERG, Assistant Examiner.

14. IN A VENDING MACHINE HAVING AN ELECTRICAL POWER SOURCE AND ANELECTRICAL COIN CHANGER PROVIDED WITH COIN PAY-OUT MECHANISM AND A VENDSWITCH, APPARATUS COMBINATION THEREWITH FOR COLLECTING A PORTION OF THEPROCEEDS OF THE SCALES FROM SAID VENDING MACHINE COMPRISING: A COINRECEIVER; DIVERTER MEANS ADJACENT SAID PAY-OUT MECHANISM OPERABLE FORDIVERTING COINS FROM SAID MECHANISM INTO THE COIN RECEIVER; A ROTATABLEACTUATOR; SWITCH MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH SAID ACTUATOR FOR OPERATING SAIDDIVERTER AND ENERGIZING SAID PAY-OUT MECHANISM; AND